Cpap therapy, the Specific Treatment for Sleep Apnea?

The most effective treatment for sleep apnea is a device that keeps your airway open while you sleep. The device name is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP.

How well it works?

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), in which a face mask is attached to a tube and a CPAP machine that blows pressurized air into the mask and through the airway to keep it open. so CPAP prevents airway closure while in use, but apnea episodes return when CPAP is stopped or it is used improperly. Many types and styles of devices are available. Some patients are not able to adhere to CPAP due to pressure intolerance. Patients who cannot tolerate CPAP may benefit from other types of pressure delivery devices

The CPAP motor is a small compressor. It draws in room temperature air and gently pressurizes it to deliver the perfect amount of air pressure that you need to clear your obstruction. Most CPAP machines also have a small water tank that, when turned on, heats up the water to provide moisture to the air you breathe in. These built-in humidifiers are ideal for people living in dry climates. CPAP motors are extremely quiet

Using CPAP to treat your sleep apnea can improve your life and make each day better. It can help improve:

Daytime Alertness: Sleepiness and daytime fatigue are common symptoms of sleep apnea. CPAP can restore your normal sleep pattern and increase your total sleep time by eliminating breathing pauses in your sleep. This will help you wake up feeling more refreshed and boost your energy throughout the day.

Concentration: Untreated, severe sleep apnea can damage your brain tissue. As a result, you may have trouble concentrating. You also may suffer from memory loss. Using CPAP may improve your ability to think, concentrate and make decisions. This also can improve your productivity and decrease your chance of making a costly mistake at work.

Emotional Stability: Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of depression. CPAP can help improve your mood, reduce your risk of depression and improve your overall quality of life.

Snoring: By keeping your airway open as you sleep, CPAP reduces or eliminates the sound of your snoring. While you may not notice, you bed partner will benefit from a quieter sleep environment.

Medical Expenses: Finally, by improving your health, CPAP therapy can reduce your medical expenses. Sleep apnea can lead to more health problems and more doctors’ visits. Treatment for serious health risks linked to sleep apnea such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be costly. Medical expenses will decrease when you use CPAP to treat your sleep apnea.

What to expect after treatment?

It may take time for you to become comfortable with using CPAP. CPAP is the most effective nonsurgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. It is the first treatment choice for adults and the most widely used.

CPAP Hoses: The hose is simply the delivery device that transports the pressurized air from the motor to the wearer’s mask. Most hoses are 6 feet in length. Most hoses are now heated to reduce water condensation accumulation caused by the humidifiers.

CPAP Mask: CPAP masks come in all shapes and sizes because not every individual will feel comfortable wearing the same masks as others. While sizes and shapes may vary to fit different shaped faces, there are typically three mask type variations to choose from nasal pillows, nasal masks, and full-face masks. Finding the right mask for your personal level of comfort is the most important part of CPAP compliance. For more information about the various, mask types click here.

Your sleep doctor will determine the amount of air pressure needed for CPAP to treat your sleep apnea. The doctor may recommend a CPAP titration study to calibrate your air pressure setting. Most CPAP units also come with a timed pressure “ramp” setting. This starts the airflow at a very low level, so you can fall asleep comfortably. The setting then slowly raises the pressure while you sleep until it reaches the right level to treat your sleep apnea.

CPAP is a lifestyle change. It works best when used every night, for the entire time you are sleeping. You also should use CPAP when you are napping. Just one night without the treatment can have a negative impact on your blood pressure. The more you use CPAP, the better you will feel

Types of CPAP Therapy

There are several forms of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy other than CPAP. All forms of PAP therapy keep your airway open as you sleep by providing a stream of air through a mask that you wear:

You may want to talk to your doctor about trying other types of CPAP machines.

One type of machine will start with a low air pressure and slowly increase the air pressure as you fall asleep. This kind of machine can help reduce discomfort caused by too much constant pressure in your nose.

A bi-level positive airway pressure machine (BiPAP) uses a different air pressure when you breathe in than when you breathe out. BiPAP may work better than standard CPAP for treating obstructive sleep apnea in people who have heart failure. You may find BiPAP more comfortable than CPAP because you can breathe out against a lower air pressure. As a result, you may be more likely to continue the treatment. You will have to spend the night at a sleep laboratory to find the air pressure levels that work best for you.

An auto-titrating continuous positive airway pressure (APAP) can automatically decrease or increase the air pressure as needed. This may make the machine more comfortable and easier to use

Choosing your Sleep Apnea mask

First of all, finding the right CPAP mask is crucial to continuous positive airway pressure therapy. With so many different mask styles, shapes, and sizes, choosing the mask that works best for you can be a little challenging .Their is three Main Categories of CPAP Mask Types:

Nasal Pillow

Nasal pillow masks are among the most popular mask choices for users they are the smallest of the CPAP masks ,it blows pressurized air through two soft nasal tubes that insert into the nostrils, and is secured by straps that go around the head.

Benefits of Nasal Pillows:

it is ideal for patients suffering from claustrophobia or those that simply feel uncomfortable with too much material touching their face.

it offers a better field of vision than many of the other mask types.

The direct airflow into the nasal passages reduce air leakage.

Good for active sleepers who toss and turn a lot.

Finally, it works best for users who have a lot of facial hair that may cause leakage in other mask types.

Drawbacks of Nasal Pillows:

Often not ideal for patients with higher-pressure needs.

Some users may have nasal dryness, and in some cases nose bleeds.

Finally, not ideal for mouth-breathers. If you’re not accustomed to breathing through your nose, using a nasal pillow may feel unnatural or uncomfortable.

Nasal Mask

Nasal masks are triangular in shape and fit over the nose, covering the areas from the bridge of the nose down to the upper lip. They are popular among CPAP wearers because of the wide range of sizes and fits

Benefits of Nasal Masks:

More natural airflow than nasal pillows as the delivered pressure isn’t as direct.

Better for higher-pressure settings than nasal pillows.

Finally, many different styles cater to a wide range of facial structures and features.

Drawbacks of Nasal Masks:

Much like nasal pillows, nasal masks are not ideal for mouth-breathers unless accompanied by a chin-strap to keep the jaw closed.

Some CPAP wearers complain about irritation caused by the pressure of the mask resting on the bridge of the nose or the forehead supports of some models.

Not ideal for patients who frequently experience allergies or colds that cause blockage of the sinuses.

Furthermore, not recommended for patients who have difficulty breathing through the nose from medical conditions such a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or a collapsed or narrowed nasal valve.

Full Face Mask

full face masks cover the nose and mouth and all, or part, of the face with side straps that keep the mask in place.

Benefits of CPAP Face Masks:

Face masks are ideal for mouth-breathers and those that haven’t worked well with the nasal mask/chinstrap combination.

Ideal for patients who that have nasal obstructions or frequent congestion due to allergies or cold symptoms.

Works well for very high CPAP pressure settings because the wide surface area of the mask makes it feel as if the pressure is more tolerable and less direct than with other masks.

Works well for those that sleep on their back as the supine position is best for an optimal air seal. However.

Drawbacks of CPAP Face Masks:

Because of the larger surface area, there is a higher chance of air leakage.

Some users complain of air leakage near the top of the mask, causing dry, irritated eyes.
Most claustrophobic patients can’t tolerate the extra material and weight of the full face mask, although there are some exceptions.
Full face masks make it difficult to read or watch TV in bed or wear glasses.
Finally, If you’re a stomach sleeper, the bulk of the mask will make it difficult to sleep comfortably on your abdomen.

Side Effects of CPAP treatment

CPAP treatment has relatively minor side effects. Most of these problems can be fixed through simple adjustments:

Strap marks or skin sores: First, this side effect is often due to a poor mask fit. By readjusting or switching the type of mask that you use, you can eliminate these symptoms. You also should adjust your mask straps to make sure they are not too tight. It also may be helpful to buy soft CPAP strap covers to reduce the rubbing of the straps against your skin.
Dry nose and sore throat: Certainly, a humidifier attached to your CPAP unit reduces dry nose and sore throat by providing cool or heated moisture to the air.
Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing
Finally, using a saline nasal spray can ease mild nasal congestion. Taking an over-the-counter nasal decongestant is another option. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a stronger decongestant for you.

Tips for CPAP

It may take some time for you to become comfortable using CPAP therapy. Follow these tips to improve your quality of sleep with CPAP:

Begin using your CPAP for short periods during the day while you watch TV or read.
This will help you get used to wearing your mask. It will feel more natural when you are trying to fall asleep.
Make CPAP part of your bedtime routine.
Use CPAP every night and for every nap. Using CPAP less often reduces its health benefits and makes it more difficult for your body to adjust to the therapy.
Adjust your mask to increase your level of comfort.
Adjust your mask straps and headgear until you get the fit right. You also can try using a special bed pillow that is shaped for a CPAP mask and tubing.
Make sure your mask is a good fit. The most common problems with CPAP occur when the mask does not fit properly.
If the mask is too big, the straps holding it to your face will need to be pulled tightly. This may irritate your skin or lead to sores as the straps rub against your face. You also can buy soft CPAP strap covers to reduce the rubbing of the straps against your skin. A small mask will not seal properly and air will leak out through the edges. The air may blow into your eyes. If you are having either problem, you may need a different mask or headgear.
If the pressure feels too high as you are trying to fall asleep, use the “ramp” mode on your CPAP unit.
The ramp mode will start your device on a low-pressure setting and gradually increase the pressure over time. You should be able to fall asleep before the air pressure reaches its proper level.
Use a saline nasal spray to ease mild nasal congestion.
First of all, nasal congestion can be a problem with CPAP treatment. A nasal spray or decongestant can help with nasal or sinus congestion.
Use a humidifier if you have a dry mouth, throat or nose.
Many CPAP devices have a heated humidifier. It ensures that you are breathing warm, moist air through your mask.
Schedule a regular time to clean your equipment.
Clean your mask, tubing and headgear once a week. Put this time in your schedule so that you do not forget to do it.
If you are having problems remembering to use your CPAP every night, find someone to help.
Consider joining a support group or asking someone you trust to hold you accountable for using your CPAP.
If these adjustments do not work, talk to the staff at your sleep center.
Finally, the staff at your local sleep center are prepared to help you adjust to CPAP therapy. You may need a different type of CPAP mask or machine, or you may need an adjustment to your air pressure setting. Some people also benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy. CBT can help you identify and overcome fears or concerns that may be preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep with CPAP.